Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Persistent URL of this record https://hdl.handle.net/1887/4239080

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Smeekens, M.V. (2025)

Screening for safety: predicting violence concerns among detained individuals in the Netherlands using the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V)

Doctoral Thesis
The occurrence of violence has significant consequences for victims, their families and friends, society, and the perpetrators themselves, making its prevention crucial for safety and rehabilitation. This PhD thesis evaluates the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V), a screening tool designed for Dutch prison practice to estimate concerns regarding future violent behavior of detained individuals. Both retrospective data from digital prison records and prospective data from real-life prison practice were analyzed. The RS-V showed strong predictive validity for violent incidents within prison practice and violent offending within the community after release. The tool seems valuable in distinguishing which individuals are more likely to display violent behavior, both inside and outside prison. In addition, prison staff generally reported positive experiences with the RS-V, noting its utility and ease of use. However, they also identified areas for improvement, such as the implementation of...Show moreThe occurrence of violence has significant consequences for victims, their families and friends, society, and the perpetrators themselves, making its prevention crucial for safety and rehabilitation. This PhD thesis evaluates the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V), a screening tool designed for Dutch prison practice to estimate concerns regarding future violent behavior of detained individuals. Both retrospective data from digital prison records and prospective data from real-life prison practice were analyzed. The RS-V showed strong predictive validity for violent incidents within prison practice and violent offending within the community after release. The tool seems valuable in distinguishing which individuals are more likely to display violent behavior, both inside and outside prison. In addition, prison staff generally reported positive experiences with the RS-V, noting its utility and ease of use. However, they also identified areas for improvement, such as the implementation of follow-up measures. Screening for violence concerns early on during detention allows for more effective triage towards extensive risk assessment and tailored interventions, improving safety in both the prison setting and the community. ​​​​​​​Show less
Prison
Violence
Recidivism
Risk screening
Risk assessment
Predictive validity
All authors
Smeekens, M.V.
Supervisor
Kempes, M.M.; Popma, A.
Co-supervisor
Vries Robbé, M. de
Committee
Alink, L.R.A.; Wolf, M.J.F. van der; Harte, J.M.; Vogel, V. de; Hilterman, E
Qualification
Doctor (dr.)
Awarding Institution
Leiden Institute of Education and Child Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University
Date
2025-06-11
ISBN (print)
9789465222561

Funding

Sponsorship
Nederlands Instituut voor Forensische Psychiatrie en Psychologie en Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen, onderdeel van het Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid